Arsenal’s midfield situation this summer feels a bit tangled, doesn’t it? With Thomas Partey probably heading out, the need for a strong, reliable replacement is more pressing than ever. The big question looming over the Gunners is: can they find the right kind of partner to play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi? Among the names floating about, Douglas Luiz seems to be gaining quite a bit of attention—and for good reason.
The Midfield Puzzle Arsenal Must Solve
Right now, Arsenal is facing a tricky challenge. Partey leaving means they’ve got a huge gap to fill. And that’s not the only change they’re dealing with. Initially, the plan was to shake up the midfield by replacing Jorginho. Now, with Partey likely out, the challenge has gotten even bigger. Mikel Arteta has some tough calls to make.
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But it’s not just about replacing whoever walks out the door. It’s about building a midfield that works—one that can support the style Arsenal wants to play. Declan Rice is a standout number eight, solid and hardworking. But Arsenal still need someone who thrives as a number six, a true specialist sitting deep, protecting the backline and dictating play. That’s where the problem lies. To make things more complicated, Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future at the club is unclear, so the midfield options are looking a bit thin.
This brings us back to Douglas Luiz. The Juventus midfielder might just be the answer Arsenal is looking for. He has Premier League experience, which in today’s football world is a massive bonus. Luiz shone at Aston Villa before moving to Italy, carving out a reputation as a dependable and versatile midfielder.
Could Douglas Luiz Be The Missing Link?
Luiz’s time at Juventus hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. That’s probably why he’s on Arsenal’s radar again. The Gunners have kept an eye on him before—back in January, when Jorginho looked like he might leave, Arsenal seriously considered bringing Luiz in. Now, with Partey’s possible exit, all the stars might be aligning for a potential move.
And get this, his price tag might be shockingly reasonable for this market: reports suggest around £21 million. That’s pretty good value, considering he’s got 18 caps for Brazil and a wealth of top-level experience. His international pedigree adds a layer of confidence in his abilities that Arsenal won’t want to overlook.
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Would Luiz slot in perfectly beside Declan Rice? Possibly. They could rotate or even play next to each other, given Luiz’s tendency to push forward and score goals. He’s shown flashes of attacking flair, especially during his Aston Villa days. That kind of versatility could make a big difference to Arsenal’s midfield dynamics.
What Luiz Brings to the Table
If Arteta manages to bring Luiz on board, it could be a real boost for the squad. For one, it would give Declan Rice much-needed rest. Rice is an absolute workhorse—he played 52 games last season, which is a huge load. Overworking your midfield anchor isn’t ideal, and having Luiz there means the coach can manage Rice’s minutes better.
Aside from just sharing the workload, Luiz offers something else—experience and tactical flexibility. He’s done well overseas and in the Premier League before, so adjusting wouldn’t be a huge problem. His skill set could suit Arteta’s style perfectly, contributing both defensively and going forward.
Deep squad depth in midfield is so crucial when you’re chasing big goals, like a title challenge. Injuries, fatigue, and form dips inevitably happen over the long season. Bringing in someone like Luiz isn’t just about filling a spot—it’s about building a squad strong enough to compete on multiple fronts without losing steam.
Looking at the bigger picture, adding Luiz also signals intent. It shows Arsenal are serious about reinforcing their spine and not just throwing any player into the mix.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the logic behind signing Douglas Luiz makes a lot of sense. He’s experienced, versatile, and probably won’t break the bank. But, as with any transfer, things aren’t ever guaranteed. There’s always a bit of unpredictability—whether it’s about settling into a new club or fitting into the team’s playing style.
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Yet, from what’s known, Luiz seems like the kind of player who could genuinely help Arsenal evolve their midfield. He’s got the right mix of reliability and a bit of flair, which might just be what Arteta needs to shake things up. If Arsenal really want to stay competitive—and perhaps push even harder in the title race—Luiz is definitely a player worth pursuing.
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